Early gardening begins with a hot bed or cold frame. As spring approaches many gardeners are ready to plant their seeds before the weather is warm enough. Nothing is worse than having seedlings appear before the last frost of the season. Using a cold frame for early planting is an economical way to get a jump on the season.
One of te best ways to make seedlings hardy is to start your seeds in a cold frame. They can be made from old windows put together to concentrate the warmth of the sun or one can be purchased. Depending on the size of the garden and how many seeds are planted, the size of the cold frame or hot bed will vary to accommodate the gardeners needs.
DIY Cold Frames
For those who want to "do it yourself" it can be an easy process if the necessary materials are readily available. The first thing to consider is the direction of the sunlight. The structure should be facing south for maximum sunlight. There should be no shade such as trees or shrubs that would prevent direct sunlight. Positioning is crucial to success.
The back of the structure should be solid if it is a "do it yourself" project. Cypress or cedar wood is a good backing. It will not deteriorate or rot. Do not use treated wood. The chemicals in treated woods can leach into the soil. However, if there is a concrete wall that faces south it can be used as the backing. The sides should slope downward slightly, angling downward in the direction of the sunlight. The sides can be constructed of wood.
It is important to keep the frame from being too deep. Once the seedlings show the gardener will need to be able to reach them for transplanting. Make the size of the frame, particularly the depth comfortable for the gardener.
Once the base container is built it should be filled with a good quality of soil that will drain well. An old window or two can be used for the top of the frame. Attaching the window or windows with hinges at the back of the hot bed will allow easy access. It is essential that the gardener open the cold frame on warmer days to prevent an over concentration of heat from the sunlight that could wilt or kill the seedlings.
Additionally, the windows or whatever clear material is used for the top will prevent frost or precipitation from damaging the seeds and seedlings. A glass cold frame is generally best for protecting the plants, concentrating the sunlight and holding the warmth at night.
Cold Frames in Northern Regions
In the south a simple cold frame is the perfect way to begin a garden. In the more northern regions of the country, nights could be too cold for seeds to sprout or seedlings to flourish in a cold frame unless a cold frame heater is used. Although the ground temperature is normally around 65 degrees, this holds true only at a depth of a foot to 18". Of course, the seeds will not be planted to that depth.
Cold frame heaters will provide enough warmth for the seedlings and seeds without burning them. For those who live in the north this is the best option for getting an early start.
In one of our larger cold frames we use a simple outdoor heater with a pan of water sitting in front of it. The warm air causes the water to evaporate creating a humid environment for the plants. It is just like sitting a pot of water on the radiator in older homes. A little moisture goes a long ways in the house and in the cold frame.
Benefits of Starting the Garden with a Cold Frame
There are definite advantages to using the cold frame for seedlings.
- It allows the gardener to stagger the planting times for vegetables. This will create a garden that lasts several months with vegetables being readily available throughout the growing season rather than having all the vegetables coming in at one time.
- Your seedlings will be ready to plant when the last frost has passed, giving you a head start on spring.
- Protection from harsh spring rain and hail as well as from wind burn. Seedlings are particularly vulnerable to the weather changes we experience in the spring.
Related articles of interest:
» Protect Seedlings with a Garden Tunnel after Early Planting
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